title: Plasma rich in growth factors had limited effect on early bone formation in extraction sockets: Response to "Anitua, E., Alkhraisat, M.H. & Orive, G. (2013) Letter to the Editor: Rigorous methodology is the school of coherent conclusions in science. European Journal of Oral Implantology 6: 9-11.".
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To address the criticisms raised by Anitua et al. (European Journal of Oral Implantology, 6, 2013, 9-11) to the article "Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) in Human Post-Extraction Sockets: an Histological and Histomorphometric Study.", recently published by Farina and colleagues (Clinical Oral Implants Research 2012; doi: 10.1111/clr.12033).
  
  
  METHODS
  All the methodological aspects criticized in the letter by Anitua et al. were thoroughly reconsidered and discussed in a structured short communication. When indicated, pertinent, additional material was included to reinforce our considerations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  As most clinical studies in implant dentistry, including previous studies evaluating the efficacy/effectiveness of PRGF, the study by Farina et al. has some limitations. However, it is currently the only published controlled trial using quantitative parameters related to PRGF-induced early bone formation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite all limitations, the results of the study by Farina et al., which were based on different quantitative parameters (micro-CT scan, immunohistochemical markers of wound healing and bone deposition), indicated a limited effect of PRGF on early bone formation in extraction sockets.
authors.affiliation: Research Centre for the Study of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Farina
authors.forename: Eriberto
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bressan
authors.forename: Andrei
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Taut
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cucchi
authors.forename: Leonardo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Trombelli
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards*; D020390:Tooth Socket / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D006133:Growth Substances
keywords: bone regeneration; clinical research; clinical trials; growth factors; guided tissue regeneration; morphometric analysis; wound healing